Karnataka:Basavraj Horatti elected Upper House Chairman

Senior most JDS  member of Karnaataka Legeslative Council Basavaraja Horatti has been  elected  amid furore as the new chairman of  the  house under the changed political  circumstances  which heralds a new phase in Karnaataka history. Now BJP and  JDS have become  partners in removing  Pratapchandra Shetty of previous alliance chairman of Congress and  JDS. Although, BJP has more strength  in the house, it has yielded to the pressure tactics of  JDS by graciously leaving  chairman's post and accepting deputy chairmanship.

Congress  has fielded Nasir Ahmed but stayed back from pressing for elections alleging partisanship from deputy chairman MK Pranesh over the  passage of anti cow slaughter  bill.  Horatti is holding  this post for second time. He had  served as council chairman for  six months in 2018 during Congress - JDS coalition  government. Horatti is seven time MLC from  teachers constituency. In his over four  decades service, he had always maintained discipline  and dignity and fights for his  constituents. 

Born in Yadahalli of Bagalkot district on April 14th, 1946, he studied in Leamington High School  of Hubballi. Completed his BA graduation and MPEd in Hubballi and became  a physical  education teacher in 1975. He became a teachers  leader by fighting for their  cause. In 1980 he was first elected  to the council and continues  to represent teachers  constituency till  now.

Between  2004  and 2007 he was cabinet  minister in JDS - BJP coalition government holding Rural Development, Education, Law and  Parliamentary  Affairs  portfolio. He has served as office  bearer of several  teachers  associations  and  syndicate member of  Karnaataka  University, Dharwad. With his vast experience and courteous reatioshp with council members is likely to bring a good democratic proceedings  in the house. Horatti thus be named chairman  excellence.